IN BRIEF
US frame builder RatKing Frames has opened pre-orders for the Chull, a chromoly steel “cycle truck”. Its 20-inch front wheel leaves room for a removable 20 × 16-inch cargo platform mounted to the frame, and the rear wheel can be either 26 or 29 inches. The frame kit is listed at $3,200 with fork, platform and kickstand, and the complete bike at $5,800; the non-refundable deposit is $1,300 for the frame kit and $3,200 for the complete bike. Production is due to start on 1 December 2026, with deliveries in spring 2027.
| Frame kit price | $3,200 (frame, fork, platform, kickstand) |
| Complete bike price | $5,800 |
| Deposit | $1,300 (frame kit), $3,200 (complete bike), non-refundable |
| Tubing | 4130 chromoly steel and Reynolds 631 |
| Wheels | 20 inches at the front, 26 or 29 inches at the rear |
| Tyres | up to 2.4 inches (geometry optimised for 2.25 inches) |
| Platform | 20 × 16 inches, removable, frame-mounted |
| Target load | 75 lb, cargo only |
| Estimated weight | around 14 lb (frame kit with platform) |
| Axles | thru-axles, 100 × 12 mm front, 148 × 12 mm rear |
| Brakes | IS disc mounts front and rear; Shimano Deore M6200 on the complete bike |
| Seatpost / bottom bracket | 30.9 mm / BSA 73 mm |
| Delivery | spring 2027 |
At RatKing Frames, it took Smith Levi becoming a father for him to seriously consider offering a cycle truck. The Chull is designed for riding around town, running errands and trips to the post office.
The RatKing Chull carries its load on the frame
The platform measures 20 × 16 inches: a 14 × 16-inch area in front of the head tube, extending 6 inches behind it. It can be removed when not needed, and the brand notes that it can be shipped separately so that the bike fits in a standard box.
RatKing is aiming at moderate loads, with a target capacity of 75 lb. The brand specifies that the platform is not designed to carry passengers, children included.
A 26- or 29-inch rear wheel
The small front wheel frees up space for the platform, while a full-size rear wheel keeps the bike rolling easily. The 26-inch option gives a shorter wheelbase, the 29-inch rolls over obstacles better. The frame takes tyres up to 2.4 inches, but its geometry is optimised for 2.25 inches.
The tubing combines straight-gauge 4130 chromoly steel with Reynolds 631. The rest follows common standards: 100 × 12 mm thru-axle at the front and 148 × 12 mm at the rear, IS mounts for disc brakes, a 30.9 mm seatpost and a 73 mm BSA bottom bracket.
Pre-orders from $1,300
RatKing says the non-refundable deposit reserves a place in the production queue: $1,300 for the frame kit, $3,200 for the complete bike. For both options, the brand specifies that $500 is due once fabrication is complete, and the balance before pick-up or shipping. Production is due to begin on 1 December 2026, with shipping in spring 2027. The brand specifies that shipping is charged separately, at actual cost.
Paint is included: a solid powder-coat colour of your choice, with black or white logos under clear coat. The platform can be matched to the frame, or finished in Rainbow Chrome or black, at no extra cost. Pre-orders are taken on the RatKing Frames website.
